A new front grille, bumper covers, and exterior lighting were added to the Kia Sorento for the 2018 or 2019 model years, depending on the market. These improvements were inspired by the 2019 Kia Forte and the 2018 Kia Cadenza for the 2019 model year. Projector beam headlamps with LED positioning lights were updated for the L, LX, EX, and SX trim levels. New LED headlamps with daytime running lights, LED amber turn signals and positioning lights, and LED tail lamps were added to the SXL trim.
A third row of seats is now standard on all trim levels with all engine types. Driver attention warning systems have also been introduced to all trim levels, and the 2.0-liter engine in lesser trim levels has been replaced with a 2.4-liter engine. On higher specification versions of the 2019 Kia Sorento, a 3.3-liter V6 engine is available. Except for the entry-level L trim, which is only offered with front-wheel drive, all trim levels can be had with all-wheel drive. [22]
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A Kia Sorento has four or six engines.
A 185-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automated transmission are included as standard equipment with the Sorento. This configuration offers sufficient power for regular driving, although acceleration can be inconsistent. Instead, choose the 290-horsepower V6 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is an optional option.
Does Kia make a six-cylinder Sorento?
Modern Kia Sorento LX versions come standard with a four-cylinder engine. The 2020 line offered the 3.3L V6 engine as an option for both the LX and L trims, however the 2021 and 2022 models don’t offer V6 engines on any trims. From 2020, higher trims will also include the V6 as standard.
The 2020 Sorento LX is a terrific choice for individuals seeking an economical option with some speed on its side, especially if cargo room is a top need. Sangria, Imperial Blue, and Sparkling Silver are just a few of the hues available for the LX, which also has 17-inch wheels and an acoustic windshield for a quiet ride.
These notable characteristics are also present in the Sorento LX:
Standard safety features on the Sorento LX include a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning.
Interior comfort: The Sorento’s dual-zone climate control system and stain-resistant upholstery keep passengers cool and at ease.
Convenient infotainment: The LX comes with a six-speaker audio, Bluetooth, and USB connector as well as a 7.0-inch touchscreen display as standard equipment.
A Kia Sorento LX V6 has a second-row bench seat with a 40/20/40 split-folding, 38 cubic feet of cargo space, and a tilt/telescopic steering column.
Hows the fuel economy?
The Sorento LX V6 will get around 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway when equipped with front-wheel drive. The optional all-wheel drive reduces the fuel economy to 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the interstate.
As a result, consumers who choose for the 3.3L V6 GDI engine over the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that comes standard in the 2020 Kia Sorento will experience a little decrease in fuel efficiency. With front-wheel drive, the base engine achieves 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the interstate.
What Kia Sorento models have the V6?
In the L and LX models, Kia offered the 3.3L V6 as an alternative to the regular 2.4L four-cylinder engine. The S, EX Sport, and SX were higher trims from that year that included the V6 as standard equipment.
The 2020 Kia Sorento and all of its trims are the latest to offer the six-cylinder engine after Kia discontinued the option of a V6 engine from all trim options in 2021 and 2022.
How fast is the 2020 Kia Sorento V6?
The Kia Sorento is easier to maneuver because of its reduced size, but it’s still not very fast compared to what one might anticipate from a midsize SUV. It outperforms many of its competitors, especially larger versions, with a 0-to-60 time of 5.9 seconds.
The Kia Sorento’s engine type is unknown.
Two engine choices are available for the 2022 Kia Sorento: a 2.5-liter inline-four with normally aspirated power and a 2.5-liter turbocharged powertrain. The former has a maximum output of 191 horsepower, while the latter is rated at an incredible 281 horsepower. Both powertrains use an eight-speed automatic transmission to distribute power to either the front wheels or all four wheels, depending on the drivetrain option. In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2022 Kia Sorento achieves 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
What’s wrong with the Kia Sorento?
Customers have experienced a number of issues with the Kia Sorento since it has been advertised and sold by Kia. These models share costly issues with one another. The following model years should be avoided: 2004, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016.
Common difficulties include those with the engine, the electrical system, the airbags, the seat belts, the lights, and the body or paint.
Engine failure is the most serious problem that these Kia Sorento models have. When most consumers have traveled an average of 62,000 miles, something happens. They could end up costing you more money in repairs, so we advise avoiding them.
Which Year Models of Kia Sorento Are Safe to Buy Used?
Production of the Kia Sorento has been going on for approximately 20 years. Not all of the models that are released, like many other cars in its market class, are flawless right out of the factory. Some people have flaws. Despite this, you have a selection of others. This is particularly true if you want to stay away from those already listed.
The following list of reliable Kia Sorento model years includes:
- Kia Sorento 2003
- Kia Sorento from 2005
- 2007 Sorento Kia
- Kia Sorento 2008
- Kia Sorento from 2009
- Kia Sorento 2010
- Kia Sorento 2015
- Kia Sorento 2017
- Kia Sorento from 2018
- Kia Sorento for 2019
- Kia Sorento 2020
- Kia Sorento 2021
The years 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 are among the safest Kia Sorento model years to purchase. Compared to the earlier mentioned model years, these have minimal complaints.
The worst issues with many of them were engine issues, a broken air conditioner compressor, electrical issues, light issues, and AC/heater issues. Most of them are also inexpensive to fix minor problems. However, they are among the minority of car owners.
The worst car troubles in early generations include crankshaft problems, frequent lighting system failures, and broken parts. It’s important to remember that these issues only occur in cars with more than 90,000 miles on the odometer.
A few owners are also affected by the problems. They are less likely to happen in a Sorento with little mileage and good maintenance. The models from 2007 to 2010 and 2015 to 2021 are the least problematic. The year 2016 is an outlier; it is less dependable than the other years in the following years.
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Which Kia Sorento Years to Avoid
The aforementioned Kia Sorento model years should easily accommodate your family’s needs and daily driving requirements. You need a dependable automobile in addition to one with excellent handling, a luxurious interior, and lots of attractive amenities. Here, we go into greater detail regarding the model years that weren’t chosen.
Steer clear of the following Kia Sorento model years:
- Kia Sorento from 2004
- Kia Sorento from 2006
- Kia Sorento from 2011
- Kia Sorento 2012
- Kia Sorento 2013
- Kia Sorento 2014
- Kia Sorento 2016
These model years frequently experience issues with their engines, electrical systems, lighting, seat belts and airbags, and body and paint. These affect everyone, and numerous users have noted concerns that are essentially the same.
You should steer clear of the 2011 Kia Sorento the most. It tops the list for having the most owner complaints. It is most likely to experience brakes issues, drivetrain issues, airbag and seat belt issues, and engine issues.
An engine failure at 77,000 miles cost the most money of all issues reported for the 2011 model year. Fixing this issue will cost $4,600. Other serious issues include an airbag problem that cost $2,000 to fix at 92,000 miles and a door issue that cost $400 to fix at 94,000 miles.
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The 2016 Kia Sorento is another vehicle you should completely avoid. In comparison to other models with lower mileage, it has more issues and costs more to repair. The most common issues are with the engine, then the steering, body/paint, and lights.
The engine has experienced the worst reported failure at 62,000 kilometers. Repairing this cost $6,100. Other owners reported having to pay up to $600 to fix wiring that rodents had gnawed. At 22,000 miles, one user’s car stalled while accelerating.
Common Kia Sorento Problems
One of the greatest warranties for cars is offered by Kia. But that doesn’t mean you should be any less critical, especially when it comes to reliability concerns. The most typical Kia Sorento issues, spanning all model years, are listed below:
- Engine issues – The Sorento’s engine frequently fails, which is a common dependability problem. The engine failure, which was primarily reported in 2011, 2016, and 2017 models, was caused by a leaky head gasket, which mixed engine oil and coolant. These liquids when combined can seriously harm engines.
- Frustrated owners reported that the Sorento’s doors won’t open when reached from the outside, which is more unpleasant than dangerous. Additionally, defective door handles made users of the child-lock feature even more irate. Owners of 2011 Sorentos make up the majority of the complaints.
- Burning out of headlight bulbs: Numerous customers noted that the headlight bulbs on Sorento models from 2002 to 2009 were particularly prone to premature failure. Additionally, several stories claimed that additional headlamp component parts were also melted. There should have been a recall for this dependability problem, but there wasn’t one. Owners were required to purchase replacement bulbs for between $100 and $600.
Kia Sorento Problem Counts by Year
Young and experienced drivers equally are impacted by winter driving. To help you get from A to B as securely as possible, we’ve put together a list of the best automobiles for snow.
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Is there a 6-cylinder version of the 2022 Kia Sorento?
For the 2022 model year, the Sorento lineup will include a plug-in hybrid option. With a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and an electric motor, its powertrain produces 261 horsepower overall. Kia claims the plug-in Sorento has a combined fuel-economy rating of 79 MPGe and an electric-only range of 32 miles. All-wheel drive is standard. The price of the PHEV model is unknown, but we do know that it will be available in two premium trim levels: SX and SX-P.
Kia Sorento 2.4L I-4 Engine Specifications
The 2020 Kia Sorento’s base engine is a 2.4L 4-cylinder unit with a maximum output of 178 pound-feet of torque and 185 horsepower. The 2020 Sorento’s performance output and fuel efficiency ratings go hand in hand with this engine’s performance output. With the 2.4L engine option, the 2020 Kia Sorento gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. A 2.4L 4-cylinder engine is standard on both the 2020 Kia Sorento L and LX grade levels!
Kia Sorento 3.3L V6 Engine Specifications
A 3.3L V6 engine is the second engine choice for the 2020 Kia Sorento. The engine’s performance specs are 252 pound-feet of torque and 290 horsepower. With ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the interstate, this engine is somewhat less fuel-efficient than the 2.4L engine while having more power. The 2020 Kia Sorento’s S, EX Sport, and SX trim levels all come standard with the 3.3L V6 engine.